To give you all some background, I've had 3 horses throughout my life and, although I am so grateful for them and the experience, all but my current gelding have been too much horse for me and not ones that I click with. With this being said, I am 16 years old. About a year ago I was so so blessed for my father to have purchased my gelding. He was 18 years old and a show veteran, and honestly he is exactly what I needed, but I am in a tough situation right now. He turns 19 soon and obviously, has some wear and tear. This year I had plans of moving up and showing lope and 4H on him, but I've had a few really counterproductive rides lately and from what all has happened and some advice from others I know, I've decided that his limits with his age lie exactly where I am at right now (being local walk trot shows and some trail riding). I truly love this horse and I will never sell him, but I am really wanting to put in more saddle time and try and pursue showing, and this is all very discouraging to me. I board, and besides not having the money in the family to afford another horse, I'm honestly a little scared to ride any other horse, but I'm feeling a little discouraged. I recognize that my situation really isn't so bad, but does anyone have any suggestions for building confidence and experience without a horse that can lope much? And with the only few other horses at my barn that I could ride being unpredictable and hyper barrel horses that have hurt people? My only other real option for a horse to ride is my BO's ex barrel gelding, and although he is such a saint and lovely to ride and be around (he would actually be good experience for me as he is very physically hard to ride), he is 26 and probably shouldn't be worked hard (although he is 100% sound now). Thanks so much to anyone who takes the time to read and reply.
I would not jump on random horses at your barn or that belong to your ex. Instead, I think the best thing for you to do is to take lessons. You'll be in a controlled environment, and be taught how to ride correctly and will have immediate help when you have a problem or a question.
Thank you! But they are not my ex's horses, they are my barn owners retired horses 😂 Sorry for the misunderstanding. I totally agree that a controlled environment is a must and lessons would be wonderful, but I'm not entirely sure where I would find the money or ability to convince my parents.
When I bought him he was vet checked and cleared except some arthritis in his hocks and then the last 6 months or so he's been unable to lope to the right, we've had him to the chiro, and I've spent quite a few rides fighting it, he's just not able to happily and although I could look into injections I really would rather not and money is a question for me.
19 is really not very old! My daughter's show horse turns 17 this year and gallops like a foal, not to mention jumping and everything else she would ever want to do. I know horses in their 30s that are still being ridden (though jumping at that age is most likely a bad idea). I really don't understand why a 19 year old horse couldn't canter. I agree with ApuetsoT - maybe talk to the vet about it. If you worry about his joints, maybe a joint supplement?
Yes, he is on a joint supplement, and it is hard for me to understand to but he's been shown hard his whole life and really hasn't been holding up to it lately overall, mentally or physically.
19 isn't that old at all. The horse I'm leasing, Redz is 23 & trust me, he can GO! :lol: He can jump, canter, even gallop (he's an OTTB, he still thinks he's on the racetrack at times LOL). He's rarely lame, if ever.
Doesn't act '23' at all. It's all about being sound/healthy, did you rule out any issues or get the vet to look at him, to make sure he really can't canter? Joint supplements are definitely a good idea too. Doesn't make sense as to why he can't canter, there has to be something going on with him?
Oh believe me 😂 He acts like a 3 year old. And I've ruled out everything except the vet, if he isn't more comfortable soon I'm going to find the money to take him, just to see how he can be more comfortable. I agree that it doesn't make sense. He's been unable to pick up his right lead and it's really caused some fights, I can't even force him into it and neither can others. He's been adjusted by the chiro and is on a joint supplement which has previously kept him sound. I've just accepted it as a limit as it is a personal decision of mine not to inject joints
I showed my oldest horse into his late twenties and I have a friend that is still hauling a 32 year old to shows.
I'm curious if he is just out of shape if you have not been cantering him much. Unless you are trying for a western pleasure type lope and he's just not trained for that kind of movement?
I would take lessons on lesson horses for a while to build your confidence and then if your BO has a solid horse that you will be comfortable with, then by all means, ride it and play with it. Get used to doing things on it but don't rush. Do it at your pace.
That's what I thought would be within his capabilities.. if you read my last reply just above this it gives more info on what I have done for him.. it's a pain thing of some sort. And no worries, I'm certainly not rushing into anything as for the Western Pleasure lope, he does have a tendency to fall into it but I've been riding him pushed out almost entirely since I bought him, as it is hard on their joints.
Thanks for elaborating on why he's struggling to canter. Kudos to you for recognizing his limits and respecting them. Every horse is different and if it's too much for him, then you're right not to push it. It still might be worth looking into it further, just in case there is something you can do (something less invasive than hock injections), but I respect your choice to put his health and happiness first.
I personally would rather avoid injections, just as a personal choice. If there is another route to keeping him happy I will take that one, but if not I do understand their advantage and if it came to that I would. Feed through supplements have helped him so much in general, this seems to be something above them, though.
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Horse Forum
3.4M posts
92.6K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!